PANAJI
The Union Mines Ministry has decided to undertake preliminary exploration of Dumase-Mencurem village in Bicholim taluka for laterite mining.
In its proposal, the Ministry has said that the Dumase-Mencurem village is selected for preliminary investigation excluding the forest areas of Salem for aluminous laterite and associated mineralization.
“In Dumase-Mencurem sector a total of 13 laterite samples were collected in which Al (aluminum oxide or alumina) ranges from 27.56-48.28%. Based on the positive outcome of the investigation during financial year 2023-24, it is proposed to take a G-3 stage preliminary exploration for laterite and associated minerals in the Dumase-Mencurem block during FS 2025-26,” the Ministry said.
The Ministry will undertake detailed mapping of 5 sq.km area on 1:4000 scale, geochemical sampling and vertical drilling for assessment of aluminous laterite/bauxite resource.
Vertical boreholes are proposed (exact nos. will be decided later on the basis of detailed mapping) on 800m interval with individual borehole up to 15 to 20m depth.
The Ministry said that the number of laterite quarries that are present within the block which have excavated laterite varies from 5 to 10m depth and the same may influence the depth of the boreholes.
As reported, the Ministry will also undertake specialized thematic mapping cum exploration of Goa Schist Belt- a geological feature within the broader Shimoga-Goa supracrustal belt-to assess the potential of different crucial mineral resources including gold, copper and other rare earth elements (REEs).
The study that will commence in the current fiscal, will also map younger ultramafic and granitic rocks around Ponda, Sanvordem and Quepem taluka.
Last month, the Ministry had launched the nation's first-ever auction of Exploration Licences (ELs) for 13 Exploration Blocks for minerals like REE, zinc, diamond, copper and PGE across India and that included Goa too.
The Centre said that it is a major reform to unlock India’s untapped critical and deep-seated mineral resources.
